Martin Scorsese’s newest offering reminds us of all the reasons we love (and loathe) America’s ambitious spirit of capitalism.
So seldom do films depict scenarios where a character can embody everything we strive to be as people, and then flip that very impetus on it’s head to create a monster for whom we can’t feel anything less than contempt. If there’s one area where ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ thrives, it’s the penchant it has to display a cast that will have you laughing uproariously one minute, and then turning your head in disgust the next.
Jordan Belfort is a bright eyed young man that’s hungry to make his name on the stock market. Not so different from any of us, he wants to be successful. But what differentiates Mr. Belfort and the seemingly everyday folks of his brokerage house, Stratton Oakmont, from the rest of the population, is just how hard wired they are to get what they want. At Stratton Oakmont, the word “No” doesn’t exist. This is a world where the only rules you play by are your own. And if you want to be loser you can go work at McDonalds.
So what happens when you get a savvy, handsome, and immensely successful red blooded American man who can no longer grasp concepts like failure or humility? Well, in the beginning it’s quite the tour de force of what every guy really thinks they want; as what was once well meaning, seemingly nice person is transformed into a caricature of greed, philandering, drugs and partying. With that in mind, if you were expecting a film that takes itself too seriously, this one is sure to disappoint you. Many times you may very well find yourself confused and under the impression that you’re actually watching a funnier and far more gratuitous version of ‘The Hangover’.
The casting for the film is worthy of praise. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers an expected knockout performance in a role that’s absolutely off the walls. Without spoiling any of Mr. Belfort’s outlandish escapades, let’s just say that recreational drug use and uninhibited sexual appetite aren’t just subjects in the film, but fully realized themes in and of themselves. Jonah Hill also shines as Belfort’s right hand man and best friend, Donnie Azoff. The Robin to Jordan’s Batman, Hill is as charming and charismatic as he is amoral and self absorbed. Throw in Matthew McConauheghy as Jordan’s early mentor, Jack Hanna, Rob Reiner in the role of his booming and pragmatic father, and notably striking performances from Cristin Milioti and Margot Robbie as Jordan’s first and second wives, respectively, and you have a group of talent that more than adequately fills their roles.
If there’s one fault that can’t be overlooked in this film, it comes from the unavoidable fact that it’s story only goes skin deep. Beyond the realm of ambition, you’ll find it damn near impossible to really feel a genuine connection with any of these characters. Nevertheless, ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ delivers a gripping piece on the perils of fast living and moral turpitude. And you’ll be taken aback by the shameless fun of it all until the party bus (or yacht) at last hits a crashing halt.
